“It’s hard when you don’t fit the traditional view of beauty. I’ve gotten letters from people that say if I’d just get my nose done or if I wasn’t so dark, I’d be OK-looking. That’s why I love this Cinderella, because Brandy is a beautiful, everyday-looking black girl.”
-Whoopi Goldberg

Originally, Houston was set to be in the lead role, but she suggested that Brandy play the role instead. Brandy refused except on the condition that Houston play her Fairy Godmother, which is because Houston was Norwood’s idol.